Liverpool FC snap up Adam Lallana but face losing Luis Suarez

Suarez set to join Barcelona according to reports, although Brendan Rodgers delighted to acquire Lallana

Liverpool have raided Southampton FC for the second time this summer, with Adam Lallana joining Rickie Lambert at Anfield, although Luis Suarez looks set to be leaving the Merseyside club.

While Brendan Rodgers succeeded in persuading Suarez to remain at the club last summer rather than join Arsenal, it appears as though Barcelona are prepared to trigger a release clause which would see the Uruguayan free to open talks at the Nou Camp.

Even so, Rodgers continues to amass English talent at Anfield thanks to the acquisition of Lallana, with the England international signing a five-year contract at Anfield.

Amazingly, Lallana’s boyhood club Bournemouth will get £6.25m from the sale of the player thanks to a 25% sell-on fee as part of the contract.

The midfielder was clearly delighted to agree terms as Liverpool took their summer spending to the £40m mark.

The attacking midfielder said: “To think, five or six years ago, I was playing in League One. But it’s a reality that we’ve climbed up the leagues and done so well. I’d like to think I’m here on merit, I think I’ve earned it. I just can’t wait to keep improving, playing with world-class players and a lot of England team-mates as well, which I’m also looking forward to so much. It’s going to be a great new chapter in my life.”

“We are delighted to have secured the services of one of the Premier League’s top talents in signing Adam Lallana,” Brendan Rodgers told liverpoolfc.com. “What is apparent about Adam is that his character is on a par with his talent.

“He is an exceptional young man and someone who has a love for the game – and, most importantly, a desire to progress and improve. Adam is motivated by being the best he can be and being part of something special. We believe he fits right in with what we are trying to do at Liverpool.

“We have seen, over the past two seasons in the Premier League, he has a tactical awareness to adapt to what is required of him and to put the team above his personal ambitions. He has leadership skills and personal qualities that make him a special commodity and I am delighted we have acted decisively to make sure he is wearing a Liverpool shirt next season.

“Adam is aware there will be great competition for places at this club and he is hungry to improve further. We are confident he will fit perfectly with the culture we have at Liverpool. I’m excited about working with Adam and helping him to progress even further.”